Welcome to my website and thank you for taking the time to read about my play therapy and parent counselling services. Here you will find a bit about me and how I work:
Academic and Work History
I graduated with distinction from the University of Witwatersrand, with an Honours degree in Applied Psychology, and a Masters degree in Educational Psychology. I have a Certificate in Play Therapy from Bar Ilan University. I have completed all the requirements to be recognized as a Registered Play Therapist by the Israel Play Therapy Association.I have completed the Theraplay Level 1 training and practicum, an attachment based dyadic parent-child play therapy approach, considered evidenced based , including for children on the autism spectrum.
I have worked in numerous settings including a multidisciplinary Child and Family Unit (TMI), an elementary school, and a Regional School Psychological Services organization. I was the program director of family support group services in a non-profit organization for people with serious illness, and I currently work in my private clinic. I have extensive experience in working with children with learning difficulties.
I have also participated in numerous courses in various fields, such as Art Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Creative Therapeutic Techniques, Treatment of children with learning disabilities, Sandtray Therapy, Childhood Sexual Abuse, Mindfulness Training, Trauma, as well as attending a number of national play therapy conferences.
I have training in Daniel Siegel's "Whole Brain Child" approach, parenting techniques based on the latest neuroscientific findings. In addition I have trained in many approaches to parenting, including DBT, Internal family Systems (IFS), Attachment based parenting, Ross Greene's Collaborative Problem Solving (CPS) approach, parenting for children who have experienced trauma, as well as SPACE ( Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions)- parenting for children with anxiety disoreders and OCD.
I am certified by Meitiv- Israel trauma treatment centre in the "Panda" program- therapeutic groups to enhance emotion regulation skills in children.
I am honoured to have had my work supervised virtually over the past few years by Dr Eliana Gil, considered one of the world's leading experts in play therapy.I am also certified by Dr Gil in her advanced training in sandtray therapy.
My Approach
I am passionate about working with children, and am continually awed by the power that play has to facilitate growth and healing in children. In my work, apart from using specialized researched play based techniques to facilitate a child's growth and development toward new ways of coping, I place great emphasis on my relationship with each child that comes my way. I work toward establishing a genuine, warm and empathic connection with the child, valuing each child's unique treasures that are buried within. Together in the playroom, gently and unhurriedly, the treasures are encouraged to unfold and blossom. What a privilege it is to accompany children on their journey of discovery in the play process!
Areas of Specialization
In addition to the children's issues appropriate for treatment by play therapy, (see the play therapy section on this site ), I have a few areas of specialized focus. I have extensive training and experience in the area of children's anxiety disorders,as well as issues of emotion regulation. I like to involve parents in the treatment process, as they are such an important agent of change and healing for a child.
Another area of specialization is treating children who are facing the effects of illness, whether it be their own, or that of a family member. Having unfortunately experienced first hand the effects of serious illness in my own family, I am well versed in understanding the therapeutic needs in this sphere.
Work with Parents
My passion for working with children extends to working with children's parents. I regard parents as partners in the treatment process, and I work toward establishing the same quality of genuineness and respect in my relationship with parents, as that with children. (see more in the parenting section on this website).
Outside the Playroom
I am the proud mom of three children, and I recently became a grandmother :). I love all things creative, and I spend time painting, doing calligraphy and artistic paper cuts. I love nature, gardening and reading - especially books about play therapy and parenting! I am an active volunteer with patients with serious illness.
Qualifications:
BA in Psychology
BA Honours in Applied Psychology
M.Ed in Educational Psychology.
Certificate of Play Therapy ,BIU.
Theraplay, Level 1 Practitioner
Professional membership:
Israel Play Therapy Association (APTI )